Free mail
La Junta CO July 16, 1943
Dear Jean:
Two days ago I received your letter and yesterday I received a card from
your husband while he was at Upton. I was glad to hear from both of you.
It's funny what a tremendous appetite kids have as soon as they enter
into our world and because of that one little habit of ours, eating, all
this striving would be avoidable.
I can imagine how Sal must miss you both. I guess he is funny that way
not to show too much of his affections.
If I had said anything about shipping making you think that I may be
shipped across, it wasn't really meant that way. It's just a shipment of
boys to various camps to fill in a certain quota of jobs I guess. That
goes on now quite often. From one fellow to about twenty is an am't that
goes out often during the month.
We sure have artistic boys around here. In our Mess-hall we have
sketches of army Life displayed all around the place. Here are some:
Two boys tossing dishes to one another as they get through washing them
and the title is "Our Unsung Heroes". Another is "Sunrise Serenade" and
the sarg. Is blowing the whistle. And still another of the doctor with a
needle quite an enormous one and this caption "Medic's delight" But the
best of all is the one of the soldier who is supposed to be raking the
grass but instead, he's laying on the grass with a vision over his head
while he's dreaming. "On Furlough" is the name of this one and he's
dreaming of lying on the beach, with a blond no less.
I wonder if all this is silly can't think of much to write about so I'd
thought I'd fill in somehow. Hope you are amused reading this as I was
amused looking at the pictures.
The invasion of Italy is on. This gives me energy to carry on as by the
looks of things, it can't be much longer. And those Russians are doing
pretty well I think.
I close this note with my best regards to the folks and you and a
special kiss to Lucille. From
Your Sincerest Friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sunday, Aug. 1
Dear Jean:
I must first make my apologies for not answering your most welcomed
letter sooner. All last week I was on K.P. This is a squadron detail
which falls my way about every two months. It's kind of hard, working on
K.P. and after a day's work of it I feel so tired that I have all to do
to concentrate. But I've been lucky to get today off and I thought I'd
catch up on some of the letters which I haven't answered yet. It's quite
a job and I'm now on my second one.
I received a card from your husband while he was at Upton and as yet he
hasn't written again. I can understand why. it's pretty tough trying to
keep up with his correspondence while he's going thru' his basic training..
There is always something that seems to draw your feelings back to your
loved ones. Many a quarrel was had when I was home and yet home is
always on my mind. Everything I do doesn't seem right somehow.
So far as things are going now I can't say for sure whether I'll be
transferred to another squadron or to another air base. Time will only
tell.
I'm just as anxious for Lucille too and hope by the time she says her
first word we'll all be home again. I can just picture how all of you
are caressing that child. She is bringing new hopes to the ones who love
her so. Yes. I guess it is a joy to one's life to have babies but I'm
afraid I have delayed too long. Just think if I did get knotted for
good, I'd be an old man by the time the little tot be old enough to get
wedded.
You want me to speak of myself but what can I say that I haven't said
before. I sometimes re-read what I've written and it makes me feel like
a repetitionist. These are a few more things that has occurred since
last I wrote; we attend 1st Aid and Sanitation lectures once a week (a 2
hour period) on our own time. This burns me up because we don't (and I
mean "we") pay any attention to what is being said anyhow. I know we
should but somehow we are changing. We look at life in a different
manner. Our opinions of other are taking a drastic change for the worse.
One of the reasons for this is their ways of doing things. They're
always passing the buck This is an expression which I compare it with
the picture of Pontius Pilate during the trial of Christ. I may be wrong
but my feelings are such that it will remain with me for a long time
after all this nonsense is over,. Sometimes I wonder if we are in the
right or not but I guess only God knows just what it's all about.
Sometimes I think he just lets us bang our heads around on perpoise to
teach us a lesson but I'm afraid we'll never learn Shakespeare was right
when he said quote "What fools these mortals be" unquote.
We will have retreat formations once every five days and three times a
week I go for calisthenics. I'm getting so lazy that I hate everything I
do and I know I'll never le the same again. Many of us will just be bums
after the war. Just think of it, they worry more about triviala than the
important things. It doesn't sound possible but It's true in many
incidents I have met up with. For instants, we're never finished with a
certain job without them finding something else for us to do even if
it's not important. So we in turn learn to stall and try to make it as
easy as possible for ourselves. Why not? Some may say it's wrong but why
should I care about others? Do they worry about us? I should say not. We
don't mean a thing to them outside of being puppets on a string and that
string is pretty thin too. That's why I asked for a C.O.O. and I hope
to get it to. Let the other guy break his neck. I'll break mines only
when things are runs straight and honest and man again regains his
rightful place and becomes honorable towards others. I'm pouring my
feelings to you and I shouldn't Please forgive me.
We have such warm weather here that it surprises me how a place could be
so cold in winter. What a contrast.
I'm still working at the parachute building and this week we will know
more about transfers. And with this I will now close hoping you are
feeling better and kiss Lucille for me. Regards to all, and lots of luck
to you.
Your friend Tony
P.S. Don't worry about your husband. I think he'll make something of
himself while he's in. That is where we are different.
Free mail
La Junta CO Aug. 11, 1943
Dear Friend:
It's funny sometimes how things happen at the same time. Both your letter
and Sal's reached me the same day. I was sure glad to hear from both of you.
What a break for Sal if he is shipped to Ohio. At least anywhere away
from the middle and western states is a good deal. Altho' Ohio isn't
exactly east but it's not so far away from home.
It's not that I can't find Miss Right. I'm afraid that I'm not the Mr.
Right for the Miss Right but funny things do happen so maybe, perhaps,
somehow, someways, who knows.
It's going to be pretty tough on Sal, I know; I too believe it's on
account of his breaking up home. After all how else could he feel. He
misses both of you, sure as my name is Nunzio. I could easily have seen
it between the lines too. But I have a feeling that it won't be long now
.I wrote to him back a pretty sized letter and we hope to continue our
correspondence.
Who wouldn't be charmed by a cute little baby girls. You might think:
How do I know, I haven't even seen her yet. To that I would reply,
'after all aren't all baby's cute when there small. It's when they grow
up, that's the time they get in your hair. But with all that, we always
look back at those happy days again in our memories" Do you know what I
advise you to do: Take pictures of her every so often to show how she is
growing. Each picture will leave a story in later years.
It's always 100 degrees to 105 degrees here and awful dry too. .Our
water doesn't taste so good. It never did.
How should I say it 'I am honored." Yes, that's it. I mean having your
little Lucille call me Uncle. Funny how many uncles I am now. Maybe
someday I'll promote myself to being a Daddy instead. Oh heck, I'm so
contrary. First I talk of being a Bachelor and then , of being a papa.
I'll just wait till all this mess is over first.
I now close with all my regards to you and your folks and friends and
last but not least a great big kiss for Lucille from
Your friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO August 28, 1943
Dear jean:
I never mind delays because sometimes I have to do it too. As long as I
hear from you is enough and I am happy to receive your letters altho' it
must be hard on you writing to so many of us soldiers. But we always
long for news especially those we who are overseas so even if you do
delay, I have no licks coming because I should be thankful that I'm here
and not over the other side, It is often said "Patience is a virtue" but
really "Patience is a necessity." Gosh, I must have lost it some how.
It's very inconsiderate of me. After all, there are so many in a tighter
spot than I'm in. I must have sounded quite selfish but believe me my
bitterness was toward men as individuals and not as a whole. I've read
that part of your brother's letter. It is true; that is really the
feeling one gets when such a position as he is in, I felt the same way
that other time. It was beautifully said and made me feel ashamed of
myself for forgetting so soon. And yet looking back it seems like
yesterday. Have I really changed so soon? Could I have forgotten in so
short a time? Thank God my reasoning power has not left be to open my
eyes to the realization that after all I've got it easy and shouldn't
kick about it either. The old folks have a saying that goes "It's the
full stomach that makes one kick." And how true it really is.
I've received your husbands letter yesterday and he is making out swell.
He'll soon be leaving for Ohio but I guess he told you that already.
After I get through with this letter I'm going to answer his. I just got
through with Charlie's. He's been waiting a long time for an answer.
What you write, never annoys me. There is a feeling of relief when you
can find someone you can write to without others reading it too. I guess
we've known that for sometime somehow because Sal and I have always
confided in one another. That is why I write to you as I did.
I've heard that there is a possibility that soon I can pay my respects
to Lil' Lucille and if she is patient enough my next kiss will be in
person but just now it'll be by remote control.
I close now with best wishes to everyone from
Your sincerest friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sept. 5, 1943
Dear Jean:
It's funny how letters sometimes get to their destination at different
lengths of time. I remember once when my mother wrote to me she sent her
letter by ordinary mail and the very next day she sent me an air mail
letter. Well believe it or not I got her first letter before the air
mail letter.
Yes, by September 15, it'll be one year to the day that I'm in this army
but I will still have to wait six months from the last one that I had.
But I'm keeping my fingers crossed hoping to get out before then.
Just now I'm being interrupted by my friend who insists that it's my
turn to buy him a coke. We're having a debate on this and he insists
that I should buy but I insist that he didn't deserve a coke; It winds
up where my other friend gets stuck and has just gone out to buy the
cokes. We're the musketeers and are always acting this way. I've a
feeling that altho' I got away with buying the cokes I'll get stuck with
the beer tonight. We intend to go to the movie tonight to see Hi Diddle
Diddle.
It's good to write to him every day .At least he can look forward to
getting a letter and that'll make him feel that he's close to you.
I think that Larry must be with boys who had Malaria and that they are
taking measures to prevent others from getting it too. This is only my
opinion.
Well, I've come to the end of my letter and so I close with regards to
all and a kiss to Lucille from
Your friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sept. 15, 1943
Dear Friend:
Four years of marriage…. And yet it seemed like yesterday you two had
met. I recall that day too well. That summer Sal broke the news to me
and at the time my thoughts were far from forming an opinion on this
event. I remember correctly I believer I had met you only once or twice.
That was in August…. Oh no, that was really May or June because I left
for the country on the 1st of July and didn't return till after you two
were wed. I knew then it was the best thing that could have happened to
both of you and I felt envious, and uncertain whether I too will end in
a wonderful union… or will I be the only one of the three musketeers to
remain single? Here is something I never mentioned before to anyone
there was a time when I was close to getting to well acquainted with
someone, no thought of marriage was in my mind at the time because we
had met only a few times but as soon as I knew she was getting serious,
I became afraid, being so uncertain of myself and the future that I did
not give it a chance to go any further. Ever since then I remained the
same, My fear for the future has lost me many years of joy and
happiness,,,,, what will my lot be? I wonder, And yet I'm happy for you
two with four years of marriage to look back on, and now a little girl
to fill your future with a bountiful of happiness. These present months
of separation will soon be a thing of the past. "And this too will pass
away." if only we could hold back the hands of time, will we not use it
to our advantage. Holding back time at that moment when we are in our
greatest joy. But we are mortals and subject to the laws of nature. Make
the best of it. Some are in tears as others laugh. That is life and
remember this. The longer Sal is in this country, even if you do not
hear from him at times, the better you should feel. Let's hope that this
war ends soon and I do feel that by the looks of things, even if we lose
some ground at times. The Germans are licked. It is only a matter of
time now.
My letters have shrunk considerably, and the fault lays on this
uncertain feeling of mine. I'm selfish, I preach but do not practice it,
all I want is to get out, I don't reason with myself and don't care too.
Oh well, as we would say why moan? Sometimes I get this way too.
Hi-Diddle-Diddle was a pretty good comedy. May I suggest you to see
"This is the Army" There has been nothing like it for a long time. A
grand musical and what gorgeous scenes. You should go to a movie once in
a while for relaxation. In these times we need it.
Italy's sad blight is a thorn in many people's hearts. Let's hope it
ends soon.
And the beers… oh yes… I did get stuck on them but I get even. John,
he's one of the trio, got news, bad news, so he got an emercensy
furlough. For a while we shall be only two now. I seldom go anywheres. A
movie or some bars. That's about all. We still have beer but it's
running low too.
Singing…. Yes I love it and I hope Lucille will inherit your voice………..I
hesitate for loss of something more to say, forgive this letter. I was
to write you something humorous but instead it's the other way around.
I'm afraid I lost my sense of humor. I hope maybe next time I'll be in a
better mood so as to write you a nice long cheerful letter, so for the
present let this letter, serffice and keep your chin up but if you can't
then get a double chin so's you keep one up and one down,… oh no… you
better not I don't think that'll become you and besides that isn't the
style these days.
I will close now wishing you will keep well and love to Lucille. From
Your Friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sept. 25, 1943
Dear Jean:
Having received your letter I now set me down at a desk where I work and
like a white collar worker I write you these lines hoping you will bear
good news and always good news from your loved ones. If not good news,
then let there be no news at all for we know that no news is good news.
But honestly I realize what anguish your mother is going through and
yourself also for your husband. In fact the millions of mothers who
having bourn us, now await us hoping and praying in the good God in
Heaven to keep us from harm.
One of the three Mustketeers had an emergency furlough. His father had
died and he left that same day. Only last week I received news that my
cousin Jim passed away. You may have heard about him, he's the one who
had T.B, and his sister lives on 44 st at 8th Ave. in B'klyn. The queer
thing about this he died not from T. B., but from a pain in his spine.
They'd probably use him for a guinea pig now. What I feel so bad about
is that he was there all alone so far away from his kinsfolks. Oh, what
is life anyway.
This evening I came to work at 6:00 and no sooner I got here, they
started coming in with their chutes. They came in so fast that I was in
a fog for awhile. I got thru' at 7:30. Maybe there won't be any flying
tonight but if there is then about 8:00 I'll have to start giving out
chutes again and get them back around 2:00 A.M. I have to check there
nanes in and put them away in their rightful bins and pile the harnesses
away neatly. About 90 of them had to be taken care of. Oh hum, what an
existence. This I do, day in and day out,. Would you like to change
places with me. Auh…mm….No.o… of course not. You've got your bundle of
joy and I , woe is me, I remain with bundles of parachutes. How can I
make love to chutes when all I get back are arm aches.
Do you know something. I is now taking up chess. Yep. What a game. Oh of
course not. I only play with my friend because he too is a beginner and
besides with him at least I can win a few games.
We'll you want me to be a little less serious, don't you. Well here is
something that my niece sent me by request of her father. Now keep your
mind clear:
Only a Boy
I remember the first time I tried it. I was only a kid of 15
And tho' she was younger than I was she was far more composed & serene.
I was eager, yet awkwardly backward uncertain of how to proceed
But she seemed not to notice my shyness with which I prepared for the deed
It was in the barn I remember at the close of a hot summer day
And the evening was scented with clover and the fragrance of new mown hay
I remember I spoke to her gently and the touch of her body was warm
And my fingers moved awkwardly While she nestled her lead in my arms
Looking back at it now, I remember how I stood while my head seemed to spin
With the thought of the thing I was going to do yet reluctant to begin
Twenty years have gone by since that evening but I've never
Forgotten, I vow
The thrill and the joy that I felt as a boy
On the day that I first milked a cow.
That's all folks see you next time. With regards to all and my love to
Lucille
I remain
Your friend
Tony.
P.S. I heard from Sal and he's well. We keep writing to each other often
altho' we hear from one another about every two weeks the most.
La Junta CO July 16, 1943
Dear Jean:
Two days ago I received your letter and yesterday I received a card from
your husband while he was at Upton. I was glad to hear from both of you.
It's funny what a tremendous appetite kids have as soon as they enter
into our world and because of that one little habit of ours, eating, all
this striving would be avoidable.
I can imagine how Sal must miss you both. I guess he is funny that way
not to show too much of his affections.
If I had said anything about shipping making you think that I may be
shipped across, it wasn't really meant that way. It's just a shipment of
boys to various camps to fill in a certain quota of jobs I guess. That
goes on now quite often. From one fellow to about twenty is an am't that
goes out often during the month.
We sure have artistic boys around here. In our Mess-hall we have
sketches of army Life displayed all around the place. Here are some:
Two boys tossing dishes to one another as they get through washing them
and the title is "Our Unsung Heroes". Another is "Sunrise Serenade" and
the sarg. Is blowing the whistle. And still another of the doctor with a
needle quite an enormous one and this caption "Medic's delight" But the
best of all is the one of the soldier who is supposed to be raking the
grass but instead, he's laying on the grass with a vision over his head
while he's dreaming. "On Furlough" is the name of this one and he's
dreaming of lying on the beach, with a blond no less.
I wonder if all this is silly can't think of much to write about so I'd
thought I'd fill in somehow. Hope you are amused reading this as I was
amused looking at the pictures.
The invasion of Italy is on. This gives me energy to carry on as by the
looks of things, it can't be much longer. And those Russians are doing
pretty well I think.
I close this note with my best regards to the folks and you and a
special kiss to Lucille. From
Your Sincerest Friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sunday, Aug. 1
Dear Jean:
I must first make my apologies for not answering your most welcomed
letter sooner. All last week I was on K.P. This is a squadron detail
which falls my way about every two months. It's kind of hard, working on
K.P. and after a day's work of it I feel so tired that I have all to do
to concentrate. But I've been lucky to get today off and I thought I'd
catch up on some of the letters which I haven't answered yet. It's quite
a job and I'm now on my second one.
I received a card from your husband while he was at Upton and as yet he
hasn't written again. I can understand why. it's pretty tough trying to
keep up with his correspondence while he's going thru' his basic training..
There is always something that seems to draw your feelings back to your
loved ones. Many a quarrel was had when I was home and yet home is
always on my mind. Everything I do doesn't seem right somehow.
So far as things are going now I can't say for sure whether I'll be
transferred to another squadron or to another air base. Time will only
tell.
I'm just as anxious for Lucille too and hope by the time she says her
first word we'll all be home again. I can just picture how all of you
are caressing that child. She is bringing new hopes to the ones who love
her so. Yes. I guess it is a joy to one's life to have babies but I'm
afraid I have delayed too long. Just think if I did get knotted for
good, I'd be an old man by the time the little tot be old enough to get
wedded.
You want me to speak of myself but what can I say that I haven't said
before. I sometimes re-read what I've written and it makes me feel like
a repetitionist. These are a few more things that has occurred since
last I wrote; we attend 1st Aid and Sanitation lectures once a week (a 2
hour period) on our own time. This burns me up because we don't (and I
mean "we") pay any attention to what is being said anyhow. I know we
should but somehow we are changing. We look at life in a different
manner. Our opinions of other are taking a drastic change for the worse.
One of the reasons for this is their ways of doing things. They're
always passing the buck This is an expression which I compare it with
the picture of Pontius Pilate during the trial of Christ. I may be wrong
but my feelings are such that it will remain with me for a long time
after all this nonsense is over,. Sometimes I wonder if we are in the
right or not but I guess only God knows just what it's all about.
Sometimes I think he just lets us bang our heads around on perpoise to
teach us a lesson but I'm afraid we'll never learn Shakespeare was right
when he said quote "What fools these mortals be" unquote.
We will have retreat formations once every five days and three times a
week I go for calisthenics. I'm getting so lazy that I hate everything I
do and I know I'll never le the same again. Many of us will just be bums
after the war. Just think of it, they worry more about triviala than the
important things. It doesn't sound possible but It's true in many
incidents I have met up with. For instants, we're never finished with a
certain job without them finding something else for us to do even if
it's not important. So we in turn learn to stall and try to make it as
easy as possible for ourselves. Why not? Some may say it's wrong but why
should I care about others? Do they worry about us? I should say not. We
don't mean a thing to them outside of being puppets on a string and that
string is pretty thin too. That's why I asked for a C.O.O. and I hope
to get it to. Let the other guy break his neck. I'll break mines only
when things are runs straight and honest and man again regains his
rightful place and becomes honorable towards others. I'm pouring my
feelings to you and I shouldn't Please forgive me.
We have such warm weather here that it surprises me how a place could be
so cold in winter. What a contrast.
I'm still working at the parachute building and this week we will know
more about transfers. And with this I will now close hoping you are
feeling better and kiss Lucille for me. Regards to all, and lots of luck
to you.
Your friend Tony
P.S. Don't worry about your husband. I think he'll make something of
himself while he's in. That is where we are different.
Free mail
La Junta CO Aug. 11, 1943
Dear Friend:
It's funny sometimes how things happen at the same time. Both your letter
and Sal's reached me the same day. I was sure glad to hear from both of you.
What a break for Sal if he is shipped to Ohio. At least anywhere away
from the middle and western states is a good deal. Altho' Ohio isn't
exactly east but it's not so far away from home.
It's not that I can't find Miss Right. I'm afraid that I'm not the Mr.
Right for the Miss Right but funny things do happen so maybe, perhaps,
somehow, someways, who knows.
It's going to be pretty tough on Sal, I know; I too believe it's on
account of his breaking up home. After all how else could he feel. He
misses both of you, sure as my name is Nunzio. I could easily have seen
it between the lines too. But I have a feeling that it won't be long now
.I wrote to him back a pretty sized letter and we hope to continue our
correspondence.
Who wouldn't be charmed by a cute little baby girls. You might think:
How do I know, I haven't even seen her yet. To that I would reply,
'after all aren't all baby's cute when there small. It's when they grow
up, that's the time they get in your hair. But with all that, we always
look back at those happy days again in our memories" Do you know what I
advise you to do: Take pictures of her every so often to show how she is
growing. Each picture will leave a story in later years.
It's always 100 degrees to 105 degrees here and awful dry too. .Our
water doesn't taste so good. It never did.
How should I say it 'I am honored." Yes, that's it. I mean having your
little Lucille call me Uncle. Funny how many uncles I am now. Maybe
someday I'll promote myself to being a Daddy instead. Oh heck, I'm so
contrary. First I talk of being a Bachelor and then , of being a papa.
I'll just wait till all this mess is over first.
I now close with all my regards to you and your folks and friends and
last but not least a great big kiss for Lucille from
Your friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO August 28, 1943
Dear jean:
I never mind delays because sometimes I have to do it too. As long as I
hear from you is enough and I am happy to receive your letters altho' it
must be hard on you writing to so many of us soldiers. But we always
long for news especially those we who are overseas so even if you do
delay, I have no licks coming because I should be thankful that I'm here
and not over the other side, It is often said "Patience is a virtue" but
really "Patience is a necessity." Gosh, I must have lost it some how.
It's very inconsiderate of me. After all, there are so many in a tighter
spot than I'm in. I must have sounded quite selfish but believe me my
bitterness was toward men as individuals and not as a whole. I've read
that part of your brother's letter. It is true; that is really the
feeling one gets when such a position as he is in, I felt the same way
that other time. It was beautifully said and made me feel ashamed of
myself for forgetting so soon. And yet looking back it seems like
yesterday. Have I really changed so soon? Could I have forgotten in so
short a time? Thank God my reasoning power has not left be to open my
eyes to the realization that after all I've got it easy and shouldn't
kick about it either. The old folks have a saying that goes "It's the
full stomach that makes one kick." And how true it really is.
I've received your husbands letter yesterday and he is making out swell.
He'll soon be leaving for Ohio but I guess he told you that already.
After I get through with this letter I'm going to answer his. I just got
through with Charlie's. He's been waiting a long time for an answer.
What you write, never annoys me. There is a feeling of relief when you
can find someone you can write to without others reading it too. I guess
we've known that for sometime somehow because Sal and I have always
confided in one another. That is why I write to you as I did.
I've heard that there is a possibility that soon I can pay my respects
to Lil' Lucille and if she is patient enough my next kiss will be in
person but just now it'll be by remote control.
I close now with best wishes to everyone from
Your sincerest friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sept. 5, 1943
Dear Jean:
It's funny how letters sometimes get to their destination at different
lengths of time. I remember once when my mother wrote to me she sent her
letter by ordinary mail and the very next day she sent me an air mail
letter. Well believe it or not I got her first letter before the air
mail letter.
Yes, by September 15, it'll be one year to the day that I'm in this army
but I will still have to wait six months from the last one that I had.
But I'm keeping my fingers crossed hoping to get out before then.
Just now I'm being interrupted by my friend who insists that it's my
turn to buy him a coke. We're having a debate on this and he insists
that I should buy but I insist that he didn't deserve a coke; It winds
up where my other friend gets stuck and has just gone out to buy the
cokes. We're the musketeers and are always acting this way. I've a
feeling that altho' I got away with buying the cokes I'll get stuck with
the beer tonight. We intend to go to the movie tonight to see Hi Diddle
Diddle.
It's good to write to him every day .At least he can look forward to
getting a letter and that'll make him feel that he's close to you.
I think that Larry must be with boys who had Malaria and that they are
taking measures to prevent others from getting it too. This is only my
opinion.
Well, I've come to the end of my letter and so I close with regards to
all and a kiss to Lucille from
Your friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sept. 15, 1943
Dear Friend:
Four years of marriage…. And yet it seemed like yesterday you two had
met. I recall that day too well. That summer Sal broke the news to me
and at the time my thoughts were far from forming an opinion on this
event. I remember correctly I believer I had met you only once or twice.
That was in August…. Oh no, that was really May or June because I left
for the country on the 1st of July and didn't return till after you two
were wed. I knew then it was the best thing that could have happened to
both of you and I felt envious, and uncertain whether I too will end in
a wonderful union… or will I be the only one of the three musketeers to
remain single? Here is something I never mentioned before to anyone
there was a time when I was close to getting to well acquainted with
someone, no thought of marriage was in my mind at the time because we
had met only a few times but as soon as I knew she was getting serious,
I became afraid, being so uncertain of myself and the future that I did
not give it a chance to go any further. Ever since then I remained the
same, My fear for the future has lost me many years of joy and
happiness,,,,, what will my lot be? I wonder, And yet I'm happy for you
two with four years of marriage to look back on, and now a little girl
to fill your future with a bountiful of happiness. These present months
of separation will soon be a thing of the past. "And this too will pass
away." if only we could hold back the hands of time, will we not use it
to our advantage. Holding back time at that moment when we are in our
greatest joy. But we are mortals and subject to the laws of nature. Make
the best of it. Some are in tears as others laugh. That is life and
remember this. The longer Sal is in this country, even if you do not
hear from him at times, the better you should feel. Let's hope that this
war ends soon and I do feel that by the looks of things, even if we lose
some ground at times. The Germans are licked. It is only a matter of
time now.
My letters have shrunk considerably, and the fault lays on this
uncertain feeling of mine. I'm selfish, I preach but do not practice it,
all I want is to get out, I don't reason with myself and don't care too.
Oh well, as we would say why moan? Sometimes I get this way too.
Hi-Diddle-Diddle was a pretty good comedy. May I suggest you to see
"This is the Army" There has been nothing like it for a long time. A
grand musical and what gorgeous scenes. You should go to a movie once in
a while for relaxation. In these times we need it.
Italy's sad blight is a thorn in many people's hearts. Let's hope it
ends soon.
And the beers… oh yes… I did get stuck on them but I get even. John,
he's one of the trio, got news, bad news, so he got an emercensy
furlough. For a while we shall be only two now. I seldom go anywheres. A
movie or some bars. That's about all. We still have beer but it's
running low too.
Singing…. Yes I love it and I hope Lucille will inherit your voice………..I
hesitate for loss of something more to say, forgive this letter. I was
to write you something humorous but instead it's the other way around.
I'm afraid I lost my sense of humor. I hope maybe next time I'll be in a
better mood so as to write you a nice long cheerful letter, so for the
present let this letter, serffice and keep your chin up but if you can't
then get a double chin so's you keep one up and one down,… oh no… you
better not I don't think that'll become you and besides that isn't the
style these days.
I will close now wishing you will keep well and love to Lucille. From
Your Friend
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sept. 25, 1943
Dear Jean:
Having received your letter I now set me down at a desk where I work and
like a white collar worker I write you these lines hoping you will bear
good news and always good news from your loved ones. If not good news,
then let there be no news at all for we know that no news is good news.
But honestly I realize what anguish your mother is going through and
yourself also for your husband. In fact the millions of mothers who
having bourn us, now await us hoping and praying in the good God in
Heaven to keep us from harm.
One of the three Mustketeers had an emergency furlough. His father had
died and he left that same day. Only last week I received news that my
cousin Jim passed away. You may have heard about him, he's the one who
had T.B, and his sister lives on 44 st at 8th Ave. in B'klyn. The queer
thing about this he died not from T. B., but from a pain in his spine.
They'd probably use him for a guinea pig now. What I feel so bad about
is that he was there all alone so far away from his kinsfolks. Oh, what
is life anyway.
This evening I came to work at 6:00 and no sooner I got here, they
started coming in with their chutes. They came in so fast that I was in
a fog for awhile. I got thru' at 7:30. Maybe there won't be any flying
tonight but if there is then about 8:00 I'll have to start giving out
chutes again and get them back around 2:00 A.M. I have to check there
nanes in and put them away in their rightful bins and pile the harnesses
away neatly. About 90 of them had to be taken care of. Oh hum, what an
existence. This I do, day in and day out,. Would you like to change
places with me. Auh…mm….No.o… of course not. You've got your bundle of
joy and I , woe is me, I remain with bundles of parachutes. How can I
make love to chutes when all I get back are arm aches.
Do you know something. I is now taking up chess. Yep. What a game. Oh of
course not. I only play with my friend because he too is a beginner and
besides with him at least I can win a few games.
We'll you want me to be a little less serious, don't you. Well here is
something that my niece sent me by request of her father. Now keep your
mind clear:
Only a Boy
I remember the first time I tried it. I was only a kid of 15
And tho' she was younger than I was she was far more composed & serene.
I was eager, yet awkwardly backward uncertain of how to proceed
But she seemed not to notice my shyness with which I prepared for the deed
It was in the barn I remember at the close of a hot summer day
And the evening was scented with clover and the fragrance of new mown hay
I remember I spoke to her gently and the touch of her body was warm
And my fingers moved awkwardly While she nestled her lead in my arms
Looking back at it now, I remember how I stood while my head seemed to spin
With the thought of the thing I was going to do yet reluctant to begin
Twenty years have gone by since that evening but I've never
Forgotten, I vow
The thrill and the joy that I felt as a boy
On the day that I first milked a cow.
That's all folks see you next time. With regards to all and my love to
Lucille
I remain
Your friend
Tony.
P.S. I heard from Sal and he's well. We keep writing to each other often
altho' we hear from one another about every two weeks the most.
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